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Designers & Builders
Designers & Builders episodes
- Antonio Deloatch, Antonio Deloatch Designs
In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere and co-host Alyssa Olson welcome Antonio Deloatch from Antonio Deloatch Designs. Antonio shares his inspiring journey from a challenging high school experience to becoming a successful designer in New York City. He discusses the importance of community, the hustle behind landing his first clients, and the recent recognition he received from Lux Magazine.
The conversation delves into the challenges of rebuilding a business in a new environment, the significance of sustainability in design, and the philosophy that "home is not a place, it's a feeling." Antonio emphasizes the importance of understanding client values and the concept of affordable luxury, making beautiful design accessible to everyone.
In this engaging conversation, Antonio Deloatch shares insights on navigating client relationships, the importance of storytelling in design, and the integration of AI in creative practices. He emphasizes the significance of mindfulness in business growth and how it shapes his design philosophy. The discussion also highlights the power of community and collaboration in the creative industry, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique voices and experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Community and Resilience: Antonio's journey reflects the importance of building connections and maintaining resilience when transitioning from corporate to creative careers.
- Accessible Design Philosophy: The concept of "affordable luxury" focuses on making beautiful, custom design accessible to all clients, regardless of budget.
- Sustainable and Intentional Design: Sustainability and understanding client values are becoming crucial elements in modern design practice.
- Storytelling and Authenticity: Effective design requires storytelling to connect with clients, and vulnerability in sharing your journey can inspire others.
- Technology and Mindfulness Integration: Combining AI tools with mindfulness practices can streamline design processes while maintaining authentic client relationships.
Chapters
- 00:00 The Journey Begins: Antonio's Backstory
- 03:06 From Corporate to Creative: The Spark of Design
- 06:00 Hustling for Success: Landing the First Client
- 09:04 Making a Mark: Recent Projects and Recognition
- 11:59 Rebuilding in New York: Challenges and Triumphs
- 14:45 Community and Connection: The Heart of Design
- 17:47 Sustainability in Design: Trends and Intentions
- 21:00 Navigating Client Relationships: Values and Expectations
- 24:04 Affordable Luxury: Redefining Access in Design
- 26:56 Home is a Feeling: The Philosophy Behind Design
- 29:59 Working Across Borders: Embracing Diversity in Design
- 30:38 Navigating Client Relationships and Networking
- 33:24 The Power of Storytelling in Design
- 38:16 Integrating AI in Design Practices
- 41:03 Mindfulness and Business Growth
- 47:05 The Roots of Mindfulness in Design
- 52:14 Creating Community and Collaboration
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
You can connect with Antonio at:
https://www.antoniodeloatch.com/
https://www.instagram.com/antoniodeloatchdesigns/
47 min - Tiffany White, Midcity Design Group
In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson speaks with Tiffany White from Midcity Design Group about her unique journey into interior design, which began with an MBA and a career in federal contracting. Tiffany discusses the integration of neuroscience into her design process, emphasizing the importance of sensory experiences in creating spaces. She also highlights her commitment to custom furniture and local artistry, as well as her approach to merging architecture with functionality.
The conversation delves into her work in healthcare design, where she aims to create warm, inviting environments, and explores her entrepreneurial mindset in identifying opportunities for innovation in design. Tiffany discusses the integration of sensory elements in design, the importance of building strong client relationships, and her innovative project, the Barn Dominium. She emphasizes the need for collaboration in the design industry and shares insights on her unique design processes and budgeting strategies.
Takeaways
- Tiffany's unconventional journey to interior design, starting with an MBA and federal contracting background, demonstrates how diverse experiences can enhance design expertise.
- Neuroscience plays a crucial role in her design process, helping to understand client preferences and create meaningful sensory experiences in spaces.
- Custom furniture and local artistry are integral to her design philosophy, becoming more prevalent due to supply chain challenges and the desire for unique, personalized spaces.
- Healthcare design should prioritize warmth and invitation over institutional aesthetics, while functionality remains essential, especially in key areas like entryways.
- Building trust with clients through collaboration and understanding their personalities leads to long-term relationships and more successful, innovative design solutions.
Chapters
00:00 Tiffany's Unique Journey to Interior Design
02:56 The Intersection of Neuroscience and Design
06:02 Custom Furniture and Local Artistry
08:52 Integrating Architecture and Functionality
11:57 Exploring Healthcare Design
14:54 Innovative Solutions in Design
17:46 Identifying Opportunities in Design
20:00 Exploring Sensory Design Elements
24:09 Building Client Relationships and Trust
28:00 Innovative Project: The Barn Dominium
34:01 Collaboration and Industry Challenges
38:00 Creative Design Processes and Budgeting
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
You can connect with Tiffany at:
Instagram: @midcitycointeriors
Website: midcitydesigngroup.com
38 min - Jason Easterly, E&S Builders
In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson interviews Jason Easterly from E&S Builders. Jason shares his journey in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of transparency, reliable communication, and efficient project management.
He discusses the systems he has implemented to revolutionize the home building process, ensuring clients are well-informed and satisfied. Jason also touches on the significance of maintaining strong relationships with sub-trades, adapting to industry trends, and providing valuable advice for aspiring builders. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of running a construction business in Arizona.
Takeaways:
- Jason emphasizes transparency in client communication as a cornerstone of his business approach.
- His systematic approach allows for faster project completion compared to industry standards.
- Maintaining strong relationships with sub-trades through prompt payment is crucial to his success.
- Jason finds most clients through referrals, demonstrating the value of relationship-building in construction.
- Setting realistic expectations with clients from the beginning prevents disappointment and builds trust.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Jason Easterly and E&S Builders
02:59 Jason's Journey in Construction
06:07 Revolutionizing the Home Building Industry
08:54 Transparent Client Communication and Expectations
12:06 The Importance of Reliable Sub-Trades
14:50 Advice for Aspiring Builders
18:05 Trends in Home Building
20:45 Finding Clients and Building Relationships
24:09 Future Growth and Scalability of E&S Builders
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
You can connect with Jason at:
https://esbuildersaz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/esbuildersaz/
https://www.facebook.com/ESBuildersAZ/
32 min - Steve x Alyssa, Build in Public
In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, Steve Larosiliere and Alyssa Olson explore the integration of AI in architecture, discussing the challenges faced by architects, the importance of client expectations, and the role of smaller firms in the industry. They delve into the need for design support for non-architects, the impact of sustainable practices, and the significance of public space equity. The conversation also touches on monetizing design skills and the potential for creating internal tools to improve workflow.
Takeaways
- AI can be a powerful tool in architecture when integrated with human expertise.
- Understanding client expectations is crucial for project success and satisfaction.
- Smaller firms face unique resource challenges but can leverage flexibility and specialization.
- Sustainable design practices must be prioritized for environmental and economic impact.
- Equitable access to well-designed public spaces remains a critical industry challenge.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Architecture
03:04 Exploring Architectural Challenges and Solutions
06:06 Understanding Client Expectations and Workflow
09:10 The Role of Smaller Firms in the Industry
12:00 Design Support for Non-Architects
15:13 Target Audience and Community Impact
18:02 Sustainable Practices in Design
20:57 Internal Tools and Workflow Improvements
23:54 Design Philosophy and Public Space Equity
26:58 Monetizing Design Skills
30:09 Conclusion and Next Steps
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
26 min - Maurice Pennington, Pennington Perspective
In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Maurice Pennington of Pennington Perspective to talk about his unconventional journey from business consulting to interior design. Maurice shares how curiosity and “messy action” opened the door to a fulfilling design career. He discusses how he handled the challenges of building homes during COVID, the critical role of budgeting in design, and his approach to infusing personality and value into every project. The conversation explores the intersection of design and business, the importance of building community through content, and the long-term mindset needed for sustainable creative growth.
Top 5 Takeaways
- Curiosity and imperfect action can lead to fulfilling, unexpected career shifts.
- Interior design is a long-term learning process that thrives on detail and experimentation.
- Budget-conscious design can still be beautiful—value doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
- Tools like ClickUp and Canva streamline creativity and business operations.
- Building community and sharing authentic content are key to expanding influence and impact.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Pennington Perspective
03:06 – From Business Consulting to Interior Design
05:49 – Early Career and Entrepreneurial Drive
09:02 – Building Homes and Discovering a Passion for Design
11:54 – Navigating Custom Home Builds During COVID
14:54 – The Importance of Details in Home Design
17:58 – Organizing the Design Process with Digital Tools
20:57 – Budgeting and Finding Value in Interior Design
24:14 – Balancing Life and Future Aspirations
26:52 – Community Impact and Personal Fulfillment
28:01 – Viewing Design as a Long-Term Learning Lab
29:57 – Building Relationships to Grow a Business
33:04 – Leveraging Influence Without Losing Integrity
34:27 – Planning for Long-Term Business Success
35:55 – Creating Authentic Content That Connects
39:01 – Engaging with the Community Through Storytelling
40:57 – Why Details Matter in Both Design and Business
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Maurice at:
https://www.instagram.com/themauricep
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricepennington/
41 min - Jonathan Webster, JD Stairs
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Jonathan Webster of JD Stairs to explore the evolution of his family-founded business. Jonathan shares how the company transitioned from its construction roots to become a standout in the custom home market. The conversation dives into the challenges of early growth, including meeting payroll and motivating a team, and how innovation—like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing—transformed their operations.
Jonathan also discusses the impact of market shifts, the importance of strong leadership, and JD Stairs’ expansion beyond Las Vegas. From organizational structure and project management to business development strategies and storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights into adapting, evolving, and growing a business in a changing economic landscape.
Takeaways
- JD Stairs began as a family-run construction business, and Jonathan Webster entered the stair industry at a young age, learning the trade from the ground up.
- The early years were marked by real challenges, including tight cash flow and the difficulty of transitioning from a family-run operation to a scalable business.
- Adopting technology like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing has revolutionized their workflow, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Hiring a president and restructuring the organization helped JD Stairs grow, enabling Jonathan to focus on innovation and long-term strategy.
- Storytelling, adaptability, and a strong company culture are central to JD Stairs’ success—and key to navigating market changes and expanding into new regions.
Chapters
00:00 – The Origin Story of JD Stairs
10:01 – Navigating Early Business Challenges
19:47 – Finding a Niche in the Market
27:31 – Navigating Market Changes
29:00 – Expanding Beyond Vegas
30:06 – Embracing Technology and Innovation
31:37 – Day-to-Day Operations and Leadership
32:53 – Business Development Strategies
39:58 – The Importance of Lean Manufacturing
41:11 – Innovations and Future Directions
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Jonathan at:
https://jdstairs.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jd-stairs-inc/
https://www.facebook.com/JDStairs/
https://www.instagram.com/jdstairslv/
39 min - Alyssa Olson, Co-host of Designers and Builders Podcast
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere and co-host Alyssa Olson dive into Alyssa’s journey in architecture and woodworking, highlighting how her diverse background fuels her passion for accessible, community-centered design. They discuss her current projects, including affordable housing initiatives, and share their vision for fostering collaboration and inclusivity in the design world.
Top 5 Takeaways
- Alyssa Olson brings a unique perspective to the field with dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture, bridging the gap between built environments and natural spaces.
- With over a decade of woodworking experience, Alyssa integrates hands-on craftsmanship with thoughtful design, bringing authenticity to her architectural approach.
- Her focus on accessible design reflects a powerful mission—to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability or background, has access to beautiful, functional spaces.
- Through her work on affordable housing projects using reclaimed wood, Alyssa is making sustainability and equity a priority in her designs.
- The Designers and Builders Podcast is more than a conversation—it’s a platform for building a collaborative community of designers, architects, and makers committed to learning from each other and creating meaningful impact.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Designers and Builders Podcast
01:55 – Alyssa’s Journey in Architecture and Woodworking
04:00 – The Importance of Accessible Design
06:00 – Future Aspirations and Community Impact
08:02 – Current Projects and Learning Opportunities
10:01 – Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Alyssa:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssao/
Connect with Steve:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelarosiliere/
https://www.instagram.com/thelarosiliere
11 min - Allison Handler, Allison Handler Design
In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Allison Handler, an interior designer who transitioned from a successful career in the fashion industry to establish her own design firm. Allison shares her journey, the skills she brought from fashion to design, and how she developed her unique style. She discusses the importance of social media in growing her business, the challenges of managing client relationships, and the excitement of working on unique design projects. The conversation also touches on the significance of continuous learning and building a strong team to support business growth.
Takeaways
- Allison Handler transitioned from a 20-year fashion career to interior design, leveraging her business degree to run her design firm.
- She describes her design style as modern organic, focusing on warmth and coziness while transforming clients' visions into reality.
- Social media, especially Instagram, has been crucial for her business growth alongside building strong personal relationships with clients.
- Continuous learning, exposure to new trends, and building a strong team of designers are vital for her professional development and success.
- Managing business growth and implementing efficient systems remain constant challenges, highlighting the importance of having a personal assistant.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Allison Handler and Her Journey
03:11 Transition from Fashion to Interior Design
05:58 Defining Personal Style in Design
09:03 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
11:59 Project Management and Client Relationships
15:02 Exploring Unique Design Projects
17:53 Continuous Learning and Professional Development
20:51 Building a Strong Team and Managing Growth
24:05 Showcasing a Notable Project
27:05 Challenges in Managing a Growing Business
30:02 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
32 min - Micah Stanley, Lawton Stanley Architects
In this episode of the Designers & Builders Podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Micah Stanley, partner at Lawton Stanley Architects. They cover the early journey of launching the firm, the impact of architecture education, and how strong client relationships shape successful projects. Micah reflects on their first major project, Grace Restaurant, and how it influenced their approach to design. The conversation explores the dynamics of business partnerships, the challenges of restaurant and large-scale projects, and the growing focus on sustainable design—highlighting trends like rain screen systems, higher insulative values, and mass timber construction. Micah also shares his outlook on the architecture industry, emphasizing the value of creative, engaged clients, and his passion for public architecture. He highlights the success of the Evera project and wraps up the discussion with marketing strategies to grow visibility and keep clients connected, particularly through email campaigns.
Top 5 Takeaways:
- Starting a firm takes resilience, energy, and adaptability.
- Strong client communication and trust are crucial for effective design.
- Sustainability is driving design trends, with timber and energy-efficient systems on the rise.
- Large-scale and public architecture projects offer rich learning and creative opportunities.
- Strategic marketing, especially through email, helps build visibility and client engagement.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Lawton Stanley Architects
03:06 — The Early Days of Starting a Business
05:53 — Educational Background and Its Impact
09:09 — First Major Project: Grace Restaurant
12:04 — Building Client Relationships
15:02 — Collaborative Dynamics in Partnership
18:06 — Navigating Challenges in Restaurant Design
20:58 — Large-Scale Projects and Learning Experiences
23:05 — Trends in Sustainable Design
26:21 — Business Outlook and Market Trends
28:13 — Ideal Clients and Project Aspirations
29:36 — Highlighting the Evera Project
33:08 — Marketing Strategies for Growth
You can connect with Micah at:
https://www.ls-arch.com/
35 min - Miriam Silver Verga, Mimi & Hill
Miriam Silver Verga of Mimi & Hill traces her firm’s evolution from kitchen-table designers to a 20-person luxury design-build studio. She reveals how addressing industry pain points fueled growth, emphasizing client education, storytelling in design, and systems-driven project management. Miriam discusses the challenges of construction budgeting, the value of her partnership with Hillary, and her vision for building a legacy—whether through employee transition or family succession.
Key Takeaways
Humble Beginnings: Grew from kitchen-table startup to full-service design-build firm over 15 years.
Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizes education on budgets, allowances, and design-value pricing.
Storytelling as Strategy: Crafts spaces that reflect clients’ narratives.
Partnership Power: Collaboration with Hillary drives both success and fulfillment.
Legacy Building: Plans for business continuity through team or family stewardship.
Chapters
00:00 From Kitchen Table to Design-Build Firm
06:10 Scaling a Luxury Business Model
11:56 Educating Clients on Realistic Budgets
18:05 Vision for Long-Term Legacy
24:01 Narrative-Driven Design Philosophy
29:53 Navigating Industry Challenges
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
32 min
About Designers & Builders
From the publisher's feed
Designers & Builders Podcast
Dive into the stories behind the spaces we live and work in. This podcast brings together interior designers, architects, and builders from every discipline—commercial and residential—to share the mindset, process, and passion that drives their craft. We explore their journeys, from early inspirations to innovative builds, and uncover how they’re shaping a new era of design and construction. Join our community of creative pioneers and discover how a fresh perspective on building can transform environments and lives.